Glen Morris United Church: Through the Years

As this faith community is in the midst of celebrating 175 years, we are sharing a bit of the chronology of Glen Morris United Church over the coming weeks – 50 years at a time – from 1849-2024, as we celebrate that wonderful milestone. Here’s the first 50:                                                                              

• 1849 – Property for the church donated by Samuel Latshaw, a Baptist, including 4 acres a little later, forming a ‘Glebe’ (a piece of land serving as part of a clergyman's benefice and providing income) The church was built at a cost of $2000, and opened for worship on November 11 with Rev. James Roy of St. George ministering. A pulpit Bible and Psalm book were presented by Wm. Grierson, teacher and the Young People’s group was begun by Rev. Roy.  
• 1853 – Sunday School organized by Gavin Fleming, Superintendent. Rev. John Dunbar was first permanent mini inter in April. May – 1st elders ordained, James Smith and Wm Ronald. Rev. Dunbar’s salary: L108 6s (Canadian currency at the time was pounds, shillings and pence).
• 1856 – Manse built, costing $2500. Seat rentals 12s 6p. 1st Precentor (person who leads the congregation in singing. At Glen Morris they used a tuning fork and all singing was a capella as no instrument was allowed) was John Murray (Karen Murray-Hopf's great, great, great grandfather) L5 per annum. Book of Psalms paraphrase was first Presbyterian Hymn Book 1859 – Psalter used. People sat to sing and stood to pray                                                                              
• 1860 – Caretaker hired for $15 plus free seat. Church called United Presbyterian Church of Glenmorris
• 1862 – J. Rodgers, Precentor                                                                                                                          
• 1866 – R. Swan, Precentor                                                                                                                  
• 1870 – R. Lindsay, Precentor                                                                                                            
• 1870 – Wm. Louden, Precentor                                                                                                              
• 1872 – Samuel Sloan, Precentor. 15 soft maple trees were planted along the church property costing 20 cents each (Many of those maple trees continue to stand today)                                                        
• 1874 – Interior of church remodelled, seats reversed and floor levelled                                                    
• 1875 – Mr. Burns, Precentor                                                                                                                
• 1876 – 149 persons on roll                                                                                                                  
• 1877 – Rev. A. Glendenning came                                                                                                        
• 1878 – Rev. R. Scrimegour arrived, salary $700                                                                                                
• 1879 – Vestry was built, costing $420. Precentor: Mr. Renwick followed by Thos. Carswell (Karen Murray-Hopf's great grandfather and Lynn McRuer's great, great grandfather)                                                                                                                                
• 1884 – Rev. R. Pettigrew came, organized Women’s Missionary Society                                                      
• 1887 – Ladies’ Aid Society financed the silver plating of the Communion Service and Baptismal Font, purchased Chandeliers for the church for $16, decorated the church and vestibule                                    
• 1889 – Young People’s Society for Christian Endeavour of the Presbyterian Church organized by Rev. Pettigrew                                                                                                                                            
• 1890 – Pump organ was purchased for Sunday School, but not used in church services until late in the year by vote of the congregation. J.J. Howlett Precentor until Miss Sarah (Tillie) Weir became the first organist                                                                                                                                        
• 1892 – Young People’s Ladies’ Aid organized                                                                                      
• 1895 – Additional land purchased for cemetery. Lots were $16. Mission Circle study group for young ladies was formed.                                                                                                                                        
• 1896 – Miss Mary Goulds was organist. Ladies’ Aid society organized by Mrs. Wm. Wallace  - purpose: to provide ways and means to fund improvements for church and manse                                                    
• 1897 – Mary T. Pettigrew, organist                                                                                                          
• 1898 – new furnace installed, membership now 160                                                                        
• 1899 – at 50th anniversary, new pews were installed by Young People’s Society costing $400

Photo: Jackie & Neil Sandilands (taken somewhere before 1925 as photo on back says Glen Morris Pres - for Presbyterian)